THE mayor who allegedly assaulted a woman living with a disability, has still not been arrested. And his victim believes that if another week passed with him still being a free man, there was something sinister at play.
Zandile Radebe, 40, who works as an administration clerk at the IFP office in Estcourt, Midlands, has accused Mduduzi "Sobholenyoni" Myeza, the mayor of Inkosi John Langalibalele Local Municipality, of slapping her numerous times at the party's office in full view of colleagues and the deputy mayor, who was in the company of Myeza.
The incident happened last week (((on January 16))) when Myeza had gone to collect the party's voters' roll as the party’s local branch elections were underway.
Radebe alleged that the mayor's slaps were so severe that she fell of the chair she was sitting on when he assaulted her.
She alleged that the mayor accused her of not doing her job and when she asked about which job was not done accordingly, the mayor accused her of putting words in his mouth and began to assault her.
Radebe, who was employed as an admin prior to Myeza's election as mayor, claimed that he had always been antagonistic towards her.
She said she didn’t understand why Myeza had a problem with her.
"He'd always be abusive towards me when he was at the office. He'd sometimes swear at me. Swearing at me had become regular," said Radebe, who has opened a case of assault against Myeza.
Radebe visited the hospital this week and was instructed to lie down for a few hours by the doctor after her blood pressure was recorded as high.
"I believe it's this incident that caused it to spike because ever since I've not been okay," said Radebe.
She said she's puzzled and worried about why the suspect has not been arrested because he's well known.
"He's around and is getting on with his life like nothing happened. He hasn't left the area," said Radebe.
She said she heard from the investigating officer of her case that he went to the hospital to get the J88 form, which is filled out when someone opens an assault charge.
"The doctor told him it's not there as it has not been filled out. I am confused because he filled out the form in front of me after I went (to the hospital) following the assault," said Radebe.
"However, I chose to calm down for now. I want to give it time and see what happens. But if this week passes without him arrested, then I would say that something is fishy," said Radebe.
The national spokesperson of the IFP, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said they were aware of the allegations.
Hlengwa said for now, it was still allegations; therefore, they would allow the police investigation to continue before they say anything or take any action.
Myeza's phone rang unanswered, and he hadn't replied to the texts sent to his phone, despite his Facebook page being busy this week, uploading images and statements about his Matric Excellence Awards ceremony held on Wednesday and his congratulatory wishes for the Nazareth Baptist Church on its holy pilgrimage to eKhenana mountain.
KwaZulu-Natal Saps spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said Estcourt police were investigating a case of crimen injuria and assault after a 40-year-old woman was assaulted.
In 2021, the IFP fired three ward councillors from the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality for allegedly conspiring to support a motion of no confidence against Myeza.
In voice notes that have circulated on social media, Radebe's assault has been linked to the IFP's internal factions between the KKK and the AU.
The KKK an abbreviation for Konke Kuhamba Kahle, loosely translated to 'everything is going well,' and AU for Abusekho Ubunzima, meaning 'no more struggle'.
The party has not acknowledged the existence of these factions and has managed to contain the issue internally.
KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga condemned the assault.
Shinga visited Hlengwa today to offer her support and to assure her that the matter will be followed up with the concerned authorities.
“We take a zero-tolerance stance against gender-based violence and abuse of power. All allegations of misconduct must be thoroughly investigated, and those found guilty must face the full might of the law,” said the MEC.
She said the province was experiencing serious issues of Gender-Based Violence.
“It cannot be correct that leaders entrusted with the responsibility to look after the community, become the perpetrators of abuse. We will be following up the matter. Our team of social workers will visit the victim on Monday to offer psycho-social support,” said Shinga.
She said GBV was a scourge that affects all societies, and implored communities across the province to work together to eradicate it, in all its forms and manifestations.
“The Department of Social Development calls upon on all members of society to join hands with the department’s fight against GBV. Let us work together to create a safe and secure environment for all, where everyone can live without fear of violence or abuse. As a society, we must condemn GBV. We must create a culture of zero tolerance, where perpetrators are held accountable and victims are supported and protected.”
Shinga has pledged to work with all government structures to ensure that Hlengwa gets justice, support, and protection.